Engraving apparatus



E. J. COOK Dec. 20, 1938.

ENGRAVING APPARATUS Filed Sept 25, 1937 8 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

I I EVERETT J. COOK BY WWMWM ATTORNEYS Dec. 20, 1938. E. J. COOK 2,140,985

ENGRAVING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 23, 1937 8 Sheets-SheetZ v INVENTOR. EVE RET T J. ,600 K WWWIW ATTGRNEYS E. J. COOK Dec. 20, 1938.

ENGRAVING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 25, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

- BY {EVERETT J.COOK

MW W-F W4 5 ATTORNEYS Dec. 20, 1938. E. J. COOK ENGRAVING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 25, 1957 FIG.9.

8 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG.||.

INVENTOR.

EVERETT J.COOK

ZJWW+ P ATTORNEYS Dec. 20, 1938. E. J. COOK 2,140,985

ENGRAVING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 25, 1937 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNE s 3 7 J o 7 B m 0 w 3 6 3 2 T T o 3/ 2 9 N C 9 2 5 5 5 E .l 9 V a 2 5 0 W F 3 no G 1 JV J 2 2 a 8 l I "u 5 F E l o R 3 a E a n w MO M W- /v a .I I E 9 u a v 1 v 7 3 9 7/ /V 8 6 w w a u L 2 o A w 3 s W// A 2 4 m \\\\\\\\\\x\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\E Y 9 2/ 4 B W w W 5 M m m V s 0 w 4 m mw\ a O P a m 5H 9 D .H O O I m m a m Wu H F m l l MW: 1 vlk Dec. 20, 1938. E. J. COOK 'ENGRAVING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 25, 1937 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Eni -I:

hmmnm T N E v m EVERETT J.COOK abW/W (BM ATTORNEYS Dec. 20, 1938. E. .1. COOK ENGRAVING APPARATUS Filed Sept. 25, 1937 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 @dm (WY? A To EYS Patented Dec. 20, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE EN GRAVING APPARATUS of Ohio Application September 23, 1937, Serial No. 165,382

37 Claims.

This invention relates generally to engraving apparatus and refers more particularly to apparatus of this character wherein an engravingtool is controlled by an optical unit including a light sensitive cell.

One of the principal objects of this invention resides in the provision of an engraving machine wherein the operation of the engraver or tool is controlled by a light sensitive cell which, in turn, is rendered conductive and non-conductive by variations in the intensity of light reflected from the character or design to be reproduced on the work by the tool.

Another object of the present invention consists in the provision of adjustable means for not only varying the depth of the engraving, but for also maintaining the depth of the engraving uniform irrespective of tool wear and irregularities in the surface of the work upon which the engraving is reproduced by the tool.

Another advantageous feature of this invention consists in the provision of engraving apparatus rendering it possible to engrave the character or design on surfaces of irregular contour, and to this end means is provided for varying the position of the tool relative to the surface aforesaid of the work in accordance with the contour of the surface to secure a uniform depth of engraving, irrespective of shape of the surface.

A further object of'the present invention resides in the provision of an engraving tool movable into and out of engagement with the surface of the work to be engraved by a beam supported for oscillation by means under control of the light sensitive cell and equipped with means for stabilizing the action thereof without increasing the inertia of the same.

Still another object of the present invention resides in the provision of engraving apparatus wherein the model having the design or character to be reproduced thereon is' completely scanned by feeding the optical system in one direction relative to the pattern and wherein means is provided for relatively quickly returning the optical system to its initial starting position relative to the pattern.

A further advantageous feature of the present invention consists in providing engraving apparatus wherein the work to be engraved is fed as a unit with the optical system relative to the engraving tool so that the various portions of the surface of the work to be engraved are successively brought into registration with the tool.

A still further feature of this invention resides in the provision of means responsive to the operation of the feeding means in the last preceding paragraph to discontinue the feed when the optical system is at the end of its travel in one direction and automatically initiate the feed when the optical system has been returned to its 5 initial starting position.

-A further object .of this invention which con tributes materially to the accuracy of the engraving consists in means for maintaining the focal distance of the optical unit uniform, irrespective of inaccuracies in the surface of the pattern having the characters or design thereon to be duplicated. The accuracy of the engraving apparatus is further enhanced by providing an arrangement wherein the light reflected from the record or pattern is permitted to diffuse or spread over the cell. By permitting the reflected light to diffuse or spread over the cell, more uniform output of the cell results, irrespective of variations in the sensitivity of the different portions of the light sensitive plate of the cell.

A still further feature of this invention resides in the provision of an engraving machine having provision for rotating the work support and pattern relative to the engraving tool and optical unit at a speed suitable for eflicient engraving during the actual cutting operation and at a much faster rate of speed during the intervals the tool is free from cutting engagement with the work. This arrangement is particularly ad- V vantageous in cases where only a part of the surface of the work is to be engraved since it eliminates lost motion and renders it possible to appreciably increase production.

In addition to the foregoing, this invention contemplates engraving apparatus rendering it possible and eflicient to cut characters or designs in glass articles, such as tumblers of various shapes, and to this end the invention also contemplates improved means for supporting articles of various shapes and sizes relative to the tool.

Aside from the above, the invention contemplates a compact engraving machine having provision for engraving a plurality of articles simultaneously and the manner in which this is accomplished, as well as the foregoing and other objects, will be made more apparent as this description proceeds, especially when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 50

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic View illustrating the electrical system for operating the engraving tools in accordance with the reflection of light from the record or pattern;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the multiple 55 I engraving apparatus forming the subject matter of this invention;

Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the machine partly broken away for the sake of clearness;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially through the center of the machine shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicated by the line 55 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary plan view of the machine shown in Figure 2 and having certain parts broken away for the sake of clearness;

Figure '7 is a sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicated by the line 1-1 of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary end elevational view of the machine shown in Figure 2;

Figure 9 is a detailed elevational view of the control means for the work supports;

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicated by the line l0-lll of Figure 6;

Figure 11 is an elevational view illustrating a templet adapted for use in engraving glass tumblers of irregular contour;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a slightly modified form of the invention; and

Figure 13 is a wiring diagram illustrating the control for the construction shown in Figure 12.

Although it will be understood as this description proceeds that my improved engraving apparatus may be advantageously employed to engrave numerous different articles, nevertheless, for the purpose of illustration, I have shown my engraving apparatus as especially designed to engrave glassware-such as tumblers and the like. It will also be apparent'as this description proceeds, that the apparatus is entirely automatic in operation and is capable of accurately engraving any desired characters or designs in the surface of a plurality of articles of glassware simultaneously. As a consequence, my improved engraving apparatus offers the possibility of supplying engraved glassware to the trade at a cost only slightly above plain glass articles and at a cost commensurate with glassware having the characters or designs merely painted or printed thereon.

In general, a plurality of articles of-glassware, such as the tumblers A, are supported in spaced relation to each other for both rotation and vertical movement relative to the engraving tools B. Upon reference to Figure Gilt will be noted that an engraving tool B is positioned opposite each of the tumblers A and the tools are mounted as a unit on a beam 0 supported for oscillation in directions to efiect movement of the tools into and out of engagement with the adjacent surfaces of the tumblers A.

As shown in Figure 5 of the drawings, the beam C is moved in a direction to engage the tools B with the articles of glassware by means of an electromagnet D and is moved in the opposite direction by means of the spring E. In other words, when the electromagnet D is energized, the beam C is moved toward the front side of the machine to cause the tools to move into engagement with thearticles of glassware and when the electromagnet is de-energized, the spring E moves the beam C in the opposite direction to cause the tools B to travel away from the articles of glassware.

The operation of the electromagnet D is controlled in accordance with the design or record it is desired to reproduce on the articles of glassware and, in the present instance, the record or design is carried by a revoluble drum F, shown in Figure 5, as supported centrally of the apparatus for vertical movement as a unit with the articles of glassware. The characters or design, applied to the drum F, are shaded and are scanned by means of an optical unit G supported opposite the drum F. The optical unit G comprises principally a projector H and a pair of photo-electric cells I. The projector H has a source of illumination in the form of an electric light bulb J adjustably supported at the rear end of the lens barrel K and is also provided with condenser lenses L for directing the light through the aperture M formed in a disk supported in the barrel K at the front side of the lenses L. The light passing through the aperture M is focused by the objective lenses N on the surface of the drum F upon which the record or pattern is supported. It will be understood that the light projected by the lenses N is in the form of a beam having an extremely small area on the surface of the record, and the light reflected from the surface of the record is intercepted by the photoelectric cells I supported on the optical unit G at opposite sides of the front end of the lens barrel K. It may be pointed out at this time that the reflected light is cast on the photoelectric cells I in a diffused state and this is desirable, since it insures a more uniform output of the photoelectric cells, irrespective of the variations in sensitivity of different portions of the light sensitive plates of the cells. This arrangement has been found to be much more satisfactory than in cases where the reflected light is focused on the light sensitive plates of the cells, since with the latter principle of operation, there is a possibility that as the focused beam of light contacts with different portions of the plates of the cells varying in sensitivity, a corresponding variation in the output of the cells would result and this variation would be reflected in the accuracy of the engraver.

The photoelectric cells I are rendered conductive when the beam of light from the projector intercepts the light portion of the record or design on the drum F and are rendered non-conductive when this beam of light intercepts a dark portion of the record. When the photoelectric cells are conducting, an electron flow is effected from the cathodes of the cells to the anodes of the latter in proportion to the intensity of the light reflected from the record, and the resulting flow of current through the photoelectric cells is amplified by the amplifier O. For the purpose of iilustration, the amplifier circuit is shown as identical to the oneillustrated and described in detail in the Charles R. Thorpe application, Serial No. 46,143, filed June 7, 1937. Briefly described, the amplifier circuit is such that the potential of the output circuit of the last stage Q which is connected to the load coil P of the electromagnet D, is reduced by the amplified photoelectric cell current to such an extent as to de-energize the electromagnet and permit the retracting spring E to move the beam C in a direction to withdraw the tools B from the articles of glassware. In other words, the laststage Q of the amplifier circuit is rendered non-conductive when the beam of projected light intercepts the light portion of the characters or pattern on the drum F and, as a consequence, no current flows through the load coil of the electromagnet D. On the other hand, when the beam of projected light intercepts a dark portion of the design or characters on the drum F, the last stage Q of the amplifier is rendered conductive and, as a result, a high current flows through the plate circuit of the tubes in this last stage. connected in the plate circuit of the tubes in the last stage Q of the amplifier, it follows that theis shown herein as being of the filament type.

Each of the tubes Ila, on the other hand, comprises a grid I9a, a plate 20a, and a filament 2Ia which also acts as a cathode.

The output or plate circuit of each preceding tube is conductively coupled to the grid of the succeeding tube and the plate or output circuits of the two parallel tubes Ila are connected to the load coil P of the electromagnet D through a resistor 23a. Upon reference to Figure 1, it will be noted that a power pack 24a of conventional design provides low voltage alternating current for the filaments I8a of the tubes Ila, I2a, and I3a. It also provides a rectifier of the full wave type which supplies a high voltage direct current across the resistor 25a and the latter in turn supplies the proper current to the plate circuits of the tubes Ila, I2a, and I 3a.

Similar elements of the tubes Ila are connected together to provide the multiple operation desired and a second rectifier 26a supplies the plate circuit of these tubes. The plate circuit of the tubes Ila comprises a resistor 21a, the load coil P, the resistor 23a, the two plates 20a, the filaments 2Ia, and a resistor 28a. Starting at the positive end of the resistor 21a, the current fiows through the load coil P, resistance 23a, plates 20a, through the tubes Ila to the filaments 2Ia to the resistor 28a and back to the resistor 21a. Beginning at the center tap of the resistor 28a, the grid circuit of the tubes Ila includes the C battery, with polarity indicated, and resistor 30a conductively connecting the grids to the plate of the tube Ila.

Having described in general the several circuits of the amplifier, reference will be made to the operation of the system. Assuming, first, that the beam of light cast by the projector'intercepts a dark portion of the record so that no light is reflected from the record into the photoelectric cells, it will be noted that no current is generated in the cells and that, accordingly, the plate current of the first tubes Ila is zero. In this connection, it will be noted that the grid circuit of tube Ila, starting from the cathodel'la, includes a variable resistor 3| a, a resistance 32a, and also the portion of the high resistance 250. between the negative end of the latter and the cathode tap 33a. This portion of the resistor 25a is in parallel with the varbiable resistor or potentiometer 3Ia. Also, in parallel to the grid circuit of the tube Ila are the photoelectric cells and that portion of the high resistor 25a from the negative end of the latter to the photoelectric cell tap 3la on the resistor 25a.

Inasmuch as the cathode Ila of the tube Ila Inasmuch as the load coil P is' is connected to the high resistor 25a by the tap 33a, it follows that the potential of the cathode depends on the location of the tap 33a with respect to the negative end of the resistor 25a, and by tracing the grid circuit of this tube IIa through the resistance 32a to the tap onthe resistor 3Ia, it will be noted that the grid Ia is at a negative potential with respect to the cathode I'Ia by approximately the voltage at the cathode tap 33a. It will, of course, be understood that this voltage may be varied between zero and the amount at the cathode tap 33a by altering the location of the tap of resistor 32a. The output or plate circuit of the tube I la, starting from the plate tap.36a on resistor 25a, includes resistor 31a, plate I6a, cathode I la, tap 33a to resistor 25a and through the latter to the tap 36a. However, with the grid of the tube Ila biased in the manner outlined above, there is no current passing through the plate circuit and the meter in this circuit registers zero.

In view of the fact that there is no current flowing in the plate circuit of the tube Ila, there will be little or no drop in voltage across the resistor 31a and the voltage at the plate terminal of the tube I Ia-and the grid terminal of the tube I2a will be the voltage at the tap 36a on the resistor 25a. It will be observed from Figure 1 that the tap 36a for the grid of the tube I2a is at a higher potential than the tap 38a serving the cathode of the tube I2a and, as a consequence, the grid of the tube I M is positive with respect to its cathode. The voltage of the grid is substantially the same as the voltage at the tap 36a because there is no current in the plate circuit of the tube Ila and, therefore, there is practically no voltage drop across the resistor 31a.

Owing to the fact that the grid of the tube I2a is positive with respect to the cathode of this tube, current will flow in the plate circuit of the tube lZa and a voltage drop will result across the resistor 39a. It also follows from the above that the voltage at the plate of the tube I2a and the grid of the tube I3a is lower than the voltage at the tap lIlla on the resistor a by an amo'unt depending upon the current flowing in the plate circuit of the tube I2a. In other words, although the grid tap llla of the tube I3a is at a. higher potential than the cathode tap 4 la, the voltage on the grid of tube I3a is lower than the. voltage at the tap lIIa by an amount equal to the drop through the resistance 39a caused by the current flowing through the plate or output circuit of the" tube I2a. With the grid of the tube I3a biased in this manner, no current will flow through-the plate or output circuit of this tube which, start-'- ing from the tap l5a on the resistor 25a, includes the choke coil 46a, resistor a,.choke coil l8a, plate I 6a, cathode I'Ia and that portion of the resistor from the tap lla to the tap l5a. I Inasmuch as there is no' current passing through the output circuit of the tube I3a, there will be little or no voltage drop across the resistor 30a.

The resistor 30a is located in the grid circuit of the tubes Ila and, since there is practically no current flowing through this resistor, it follows that the voltage at the grids I9a is the C battery voltage supplied by the battery 50a connected in guence, the electromagnet is energized when no light is reflected from the surface of the pattern on the photoelectric cells.

Assuming now that light is reflected from the surface of the pattern onto the light sensitive cells, it will be noted that this light acts on the cells to reduce the resistance of the latter to such an extent as to cause an electron flow between the anodes and cathodes of the cells. As a result, current flows through the cells from the anodes to the cathodes and this current causes a voltage drop across the resistor 32a. This voltage drop is positive with respect to the cathode of the first tube Ha and has a counteractive effect on the fixed grid bias of this tube tending to makethe grid less negative. When this condition exists, current flows through the plate circuit of the first tube and the passage of this current through the resistor 37a causes a voltage drop across this resistor making the grid of the second tube l2a less positive, with the result that the plate current of tube l2a is appreciably reduced. The cessation of current flow in the plate circuit of the tube I2a. causes the voltage on the grid of the tube l3a to increase to the voltage at the tap 40a. In other words, the grid of the tube 13a becomes more positive and causes current to flow through the plate circuit of the tube l3a. As current flows through the plate circuit of the tube [3a, the voltage drops across the resistor 30a and the voltage at point la is lower than the voltage at point 52a. This makes the grids of the tubes l4a more negative by an amount equal to the voltage drop across resistor 30a and, as a result, the flow of current through the plate circuit of the tubes [4a is discontinued. Inasmuch as the load coil P of the electromagnet is located in the plate circuit of the tubes l4a, it follows that the magnet will be de-energized and the spring E will move the tool in a direction away from the work and the optical unit in a direction -toward the pattern.

Although the present engraving apparatus may be designed to simultaneously engrave any number of articles of glassware, nevertheless, for the purpose of illustration, I have shown the machine as equipped to engrave twelve articles at the same time from a single optical unit and pattern. Upon reference to Figure 2, it will be noted that the glass articles A, to be engraved, are supported in a line with sufficient space therebetween to provide the required clearance, and are arranged in two groups, designated in Figure 2 by the reference characters and 2|. Each group contains six articles of glassware and the drum F is positioned between the articles of glassware at the adjacent ends of the two groups. Referring now to Figure 4, it will be noted that the articles of glassware, to be engraved, and the drum F, carrying the design or characters to be reproduced, are mounted upon a carriage 22 which, in turn, is mounted for vertical sliding movement on the column 23. In the present instance, the carriage 22 is fed at a relatively slow speed in an upward direction by means of a revoluble vertically extending screw 24 having the lower end threaded in a nut 25 mounted on the carriage 22 and having the upper end operatively connected to a drive shaft 26 through the medium of reduction gearing 21, As shown in Figure 5, the reduction gearing comprises a gear 28 secured to the upper end of the screw 24 and meshes with a pinion 29 journalled on a.stub shaft 29'. The pinion 29 is driven by a gear 30 having teeth on the periphery thereof meshing with suitable splines on the shaft 3| which extends upwardly from the screw 24 in alignment therewith, and is rotatably supported in a vertical sleeve 32 forming a part of the bracket 33. The shaft 3| is rotated by means of a worm 34 secured to the drive shaft 26 and meshing with a worm wheel 35 secured to the shaft 3|.

From the above, it will be noted that rotation of the drive shaft 26 not only effects a rotation of the vertical shaft 3|, but also-causes the screw 24 to rotate relative to the nut 25 in a direction to feed the carriage 22 upwardly. Upon reference to Figure 8, it will be noted that the drive shaft 26 extends for substantially the full length of the machine and has a gear 36 secured to one end thereof. The gear 36 meshes with a pinion 31 secured to a stub shaft 38 which, in turn, is operatively connected to a three-phase electric motor 39 through the medium of a flexible shaft 40 and worm gearing 4|.

When the carriage 22 assumes the uppermost position thereof shown in Figure 5, the circuit to the electric motor 39 is discontinued and the signal light 42 is illuminated to indicate to the operator that the carriage 22 has been fed to the limit of its upward travel. The'above is accomplished, in the present instance, by locating an adjustable stop 43 on the carriage in such a position that when the latter approaches its uppermost position, the stop engages the toggle switch control lever 44 and actuates the latter to open the circuit to the motor 39. When the operator receives the signal from the lamp 42 that the carriage has aproached the end of its vertical feed, he depresses the foot operated control 45 and in so doing releases the nut 25 from the screw 24. This permits the carriage 22 to lower by the action of gravity until the surface 46 at the bottom of the carriage 22 engages the adjustable stop 41 mounted on the column 23. The rate of downward movement of the carriage 22 relative to the nut 25 is controlled by a fluid actuated dash pct 48 having a cylinder mounted on the column and having a piston 49 connected to the carriage by means of the rod 50. As the carriage aproaches its lowermost position, the toggle switch control arm 44 is again operated to close the circuit to the motor and thereby continue rotation of the screw 24 by the drive shaft 26. It will, of course,

be understood that when the carriage assumes its lowermost position, the operator releases the foot operated control pedal 45 to permit the nut 25 to assume its operative position with respect to the screw 24 so that when the circuit to the prime mover 39 is again closed, the carriage will be fed in an upward direction. The toggle switch arm 44 is actuated to close the circuit to the m0- tor by means of a second adjustable stop SI located on the carriage in a position to engage the arm 44 and actuate the switch in timed relation to downward movement of the carriage 22.

It has previously been stated that the nut 25 is rendered operative and inoperative by manipulation of the foot pedal 45; In this connection, it will be noted that the nut 25 comprises com.- plementary pivotally connected sections 53 and 54 normally held in their closed positions in gripping relation to. the screw 24 by means of a spring 55. The sections are pivotally connected together by means of a vertically extending pintle 56 and each section is provided with a laterally outwardly extending projection 51 adapted to be engaged by suitable dogs 58 located upon opposite sides of the nut sections. The dogs 53 are shown in Figure 5 as being secured to arockshaft 59 rotatably supported on the column 23, with the axis thereof extending at right angles to the pintle 56. The rockshaft 59'is operatively connected to the foot operated control 45 in such a manner that when the latter is depressed, the dogs 58 cooperate with the projections 51 on the hinged parts to swing the latter outwardly against the action of the spring 55 and thereby release the nut 25 from the screw 24. As shown in Figure 5, an arm 60 is secured to the rockshaft and the free end of this arm is pivotally connected to the free end of a vertically extending rod 6| having the lower end pivotally connected to the foot pedal 45, adjacent its pivotal connection 62, with the lower end of the column 23 of the machine. With the above construction, it will be understood that when the pedal 45 is depressed, the nut 25 is released-from the screw 24 permitting the latter to move downwardly with the carriage 22 and the spring 55 will return the cooperating sections of the nut into engagement with the screw 24 when the pedal 45 is released.

In view of the fact that each of the several articles of glassware to be engraved is mounted on the carriage 22 and'inasmuch as the drum F, carrying the characters or record to be engraved on the glassware, is also mounted on this carriage, it follows that these elements will be moved vertically as a unit. Also, in the present instance, the tools B for engraving the various articles of glassware and the optical unit G associated with the drum F are supported independently of the carriage 22 so that as diiferent portions of the surface of the drum F, throughout the length thereof, register with the optical unit G, corresponding portions of the articles of glassware are brought into registration with the tools B. The extent of vertical travel of the carriage 22 is predetermined in accordance with the maximum extent of the record or design on the surface of the drum in the direction of length of the latter so that the entire width of the design may bescanned and reproduced on the articles of glassware.

It has also been stated above that the drum F and articles of glassware are rotated during vertical travel thereof so that the entire length, as well as the width of the record or design on the drum F is scanned and reproduced on the articles of glassware. Upon reference to Figure 5, itwill be noted that the drum F is seated upon the upper end of the sleeve 32 and is secured to the shaft 3| for rotation therewith as a unit. Each of the articles of glassware A is supported upon a revouble disc 63 of flexible material and the latter, in turn, is secured to a hub 64 having a barrel portion secured to a vertical shaft 65. The shaft 65 is revolubly mounted in a sleeve 66 forming a vertical extension of a bracket 61 and the lower end of the shaft 65 has a worm wheel 68 secured thereto in a position to mesh with a worm 69 secured to the drive shaft 26. The arrangement is such that when the drive shaft 26 is revolved by the prime mover 39, each of the articles of glassware and the drumF are rotated relative to the tools B and opticalunit G, respectively.

The articles of glassware are centered upon the discs 63 by means which is automatically adjustable to effectively engage the inner surfaces of the glass tumblers, irrespective of the degree of taper or contour of these surfaces. In detail, the centering means includes. a sleeve slidably mounted on the upper end of the shaft 65 and having radially outwardly extending circumferentially spaced flexible pads 1| adapted to engage the inner surface of the glass tumbler adjacent the open end of the latter. The sleeve 10 is normally urged in an upward direction to'insure firm engagement of the pads with the inner tapered surface of the tumbler by means of a spring 12 surrounding the shaft 65 between the lower end of the sleeve and the disc 63. As shown in Figure 7, the upper end of the spring I2 engages the bottom of the sleeve 10' and the lower end of the spring abuts the disc 13. In addition, the centering means comprises a second sleeve 14 slidably mounted on the upper end of the sleeve 10 and having radially outwardly extending circumferentially spaced flexible pads adapted to frictionally engage the inner tapered surface of the glass tumbler at points spaced vertically above the pads 1| The pads 15 are normally urged into frictional engagement with the inner surface of the glass tumbler adjacent the bottom of the latter by means of a coil spring 16 surrounding the sleeve 14-. The lower end of the coil spring 16 abuts the radially outwardly extending portions of the sleeve 16 and the upper end of the coil spring engages an annular shoulder 11 on the sleeve 14. With this construction, it will be apparent that the glass tumblers are effectively centered on the discs 63, irrespective of the degree of taper of the inner surfaces of the tumblers.

The tumblers are maintained -in clamping engagement with the discs 63 by means of suction and, for accomplishing this result, communication is established between the interior of each tumbler A and a suction line 18. As shown in Figure 7, each of the shafts 65 is axially bored to provide a passage 80 having the upper end communicating with the interior of the tumbler through a radially extending passage 6| and having the lower end communicating with the interior of the suction line 18 through the medium of a flexible conduit 82. In Figure 3, the suction line is shown as extending for the full length of the machine and the open end of the suction line communicates with a suitable pump (not shown) through the medium of a three-way valve 83. The valve 83 is manually controlled and, when in one position of adjustment, opens communication between the pump (not shown) and the suction line 18. When the valve is turned to another position, communication is established between the atmosphere and suction line in order to permit the tumblers to be readily removed from the discs 63.

It has previously been stated that the shaft 3| for rotating the drum F and the shafts 65 for rotating the glass tumblers A are supported on brackets. -The brackets 61 for rotatably supporting the article carrying shafts 65 are each pro-, vided with lateral extensions 85 pivotally mounted on the drive shaft 26 in a manner to permit the several articles of glassware A to be swung in a direction away from the tools B prior to downward movement of the carriage 22 to its initial starting position. For the purpose of swinging the brackets to their inoperative positions, I provide a shaft 86 extending parallel to the drive shaft 26 and supported in the machine frame for rocking movement. Secured to the rockshaft 86 opposite one of the lateral extensions 85 of the brackets is a cam 88 having an abrupt shoulder 89 effective upon rocking movement of the shaft in one direction to engage an adjustable stop 6|! carried by an extension 9| on the portion 85 of each bracket 67. As rocking movement of the shaft 86 in the above direction continues, the

shoulders 09 on the cams 88 cooperate with the adjustment stops 90 on the brackets 61 to swing the latter about the axis of the drive shaft 26 in a direction away from the toolsB and the optical unit G.

In the present instance, the shaft 86 is rocked manually to move the brackets 61 away from the tools by means of an arm 92 secured to one end of the shaft 86 and having a latch element 93 cooperating with a latch plate 90 on the carriage to hold the shaft 86 in a position wherein the tumblers on the brackets 61 are in their inoperative positions relative to the tools. In Figure 9 of the drawings, the latch element is shown as having a pawl 96 normally urged into frictional engagement with the latch plate 94 by means of a spring 91 and adapted to engage in a notch 98 in the periphery of the plate 94, The notch 98 is so located in the plate 94 that when the pawl is in engagement therewith, the tumblers on the brackets 61 are in their inoperative positions with respect to the tools.

In actual practice, the brackets 61 are swung to their inoperative positions when the carriage 22 has been advanced to its extreme uppermost position and before the foot pedal 45 is manipulated to permit lowering of the carriage to its initial starting position. After the brackets aforesaid have been tilted or swung to their inoperative positions and before the carriage 22 is lowered by manipulation of the pedal 45, the three-way valve 83 is manipulated to relieve the vacuum within the engraved glass tumblers A. These tumblers are then removed and replaced with an additional set of tumblers to be engraved and, if it is desired to engrave a different pattern on these tumblers, the design or characters on the drum F are replaced. Upon completion of the foregoing operations, the three-way valve 83 is again operated to establish a vacuum in. the glass tumblers A and to thereby clamp the tumblers to the supporting discs 63. After this is accomplished, the pedal 45 is operated to lower the carriage 22 and the arm 92 is manipulated to swing the brackets 61 back to their operative positions. As stated above, as soon as the carriage 22 assumes its lowermost position, the vertical feed is automatically started and the tumblers are engraved in accordance with the pattern on the drum F.

The bracket 33 supporting the drum shaft 3| is also provided with a lateral extension 33' pivotally mounted on the drive shaft 26 for swinging movement toward and away from the optical unit. Proper positioning of the pattern carrying drum F relative to the optical unit is secured by a pair of adjustable set screws 99 shown in Figure 5 as being so positioned as to hold the drum F from swinging movement about the shaft 26 after the desired adjustment is obtained.

In the previous description, reference was made to the fact that the tools B are moved into and out of engagement with the surface of the tumblers A by means of the oscillating beam C. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a high speed electric motor I is supported between adjacent tumblers A at the rear side of the latter and are carried by brackets IOI which, in turn, are secured to the front edge of the longitudinally extending beam C. In Figure 6, the high speed electric motor I00 is shown as having a. drive shaft I02 extending axially therethrough and being of suflicient length to support the tools B in registration with the rear sides of the tumblers. In accordance with this invention. the tools B are in the form of abrasive discs and each tool is rotatable in a plane including the vertical axis of the registering tumbler A.

In the brief description of the invention noted above, reference has been made to the fact that the beam C, having the tools B thereon, is oscillated toward and from the tumblers by means of the electromagnet D which is controlled by the optical unit G in accordance with the shading of the design on the drum F. In detail, the electromagnet is shown in Figure 5. as having a magnetic field I and load coil I06 secured to a plunger I01, which in turn is mounted in the core I08 of the ele'ctro-magnet for sliding movement into and out of the field I05. Movement of the load coil I06 into the field I05 is resisted by the spring E and effects a movement of the tool carrying beam C toward the glass tumblers A by virtue of the operative connection I09 between the plunger I01 and the forward edge of the beam C. As shown in Figure 5, the operative connection includes a lever I I0 having the lower end connected to the plunger I01 and having the upper end fulcrumed on a tapered adjustable pin II I, In addition, the connection I09 comprises a second lever I I2 having the lower end pivotally interconnected with the lever I I 0 between the fulcrum I I I and the plunger I01 by means of a link I I3. The upper end of the second lever I I2 is provided with a hooked portion II4 having a V-shaped projection II5 fulcrumed in a correspondingly shapedgroove I I6 formed in a member I I1 which is fixed to the machine frame. A stud H8 is secured to the lever II2 intermediate the ends of the latter and is provided at its forward end with a conical portion I I9 adapted to contact an adjustable insert I20 secured to the beam C at ,the rear edge of the latter intermediate the ends of the same. The adjustable insert I20 at the rear edge of the beam C is maintained into engagement with the forward end of the stud II8 by means of the springs I2I having the forward ends secured to the beam C and having the rear ends secured to the machine frame through the medium of the adjustable studs I22.

With the above construction, it will be noted that when the load coil I06 is energized, the plunger I01, together with the coil, is moved forwardly of the machine into the field I05. The lower end of the lever H0 is correspondingly moved in the same direction about its fulcrum III and the lever H2 is moved by the lever II 0 in a forward direction about its fulcrum I I6. As a result, the beam C is moved in a forward direction and, since the tools B are carried by the beam, it follows that these tools will be moved a into engagement with the glass tumblers. On the other hand, when the load coil I06 is deenergized, the spring E moves the plunger I01 in a. rearward direction and through the connection I09 effects a movement of the tools B in a direction away from the glass tumblers A. With the circuit diagram, shown in Figure 1, current flows through the plate circuit of the last stage Q of the amplifier to energize the load coil I06 of the electromagnet D when the photoelectric cells are non-conducting and, when light is refiected on the photoelectric cells, the flow of current through the plate circuit of the last stage Q is discontinued with the result that the load coil I06 is de-energized and the plunger I01 is moved in the opposite direction by the spring E. In accordance with the foregoing, the tools operate on the glass tumblers when the photoelectric cells are non-conducting and are moved out of engagement with the tumblers when the cells are conducting.

Having described the manner in which the beam is oscillated to actuate the tools, reference is now made to the particular means selected herein for supporting the beam. Upon reference to Figure 5, 6, and '1, it will be noted that the beam is supported adjacent its longitudinal edges on the bars I having the opposite edges V- shaped and respectively engaging correspondingly shaped grooves I20 in the bottom surface of the beam and adjacent portions of the machine frame. The construction is such as to reduce friction to oscillation of the beam to the minimum and at the same time provide a stable support for the beam. As shown in Figures 2, 7, and 8, the stability of the beam C is appreciably increased by means of weights I21 extending for substantially the full length of the beam and suspended from the latter through the medium of the chains I 23. The weights impart the required stability to the beam without increasing the inertia of the latter and, as a consequence, very little power is required to oscillate the beam.

Referring again to Figure '7 of the drawings, it will be noted that the glass tumblers A are normally urged in a direction toward the tools B by means of the springs I29 acting upon the brackets 61 and adjustably supported on the machine frame, as at I29, to provide for varying the tension of the spring. The movement of the glass tumblers A toward the tools B by the springs I29 is limited by means of the positioning members or feelers I30 having a tapered forward end portion I3I engageable with the rear side of the glass tumblers immediately adjacent the tools B. The location of the feelers I30 is such that these feelers oppose the action of the springs I29 and definitely limit the extent of movement of the tumblers A toward the tools B. In other words, one function of the feelers is to vary the depth of cut of the tools and, for accomplishing this result, the feelers are adjustably mounted in brackets I32 having portions secured to a plate I33 which, in turn, is supported on the top of the column 23 in the manner clearly shown in Figures 2 to 8, inclusive. Each of the feelers is adjusted by means of a control wheel I34 having notches I35 in the periphery thereof adapted to cooperate with a spring pressed detent I36 on the bracket I32 to not only prevent accidental movement of the feelers relative to the tools, but to also indicate predetermined increments of adjustment of the tools.

In accordance with the present invention, the feelers also function to secure a uniform predetermined depth of cut, irrespective of the wear of the tools and irrespective of variations in the glass tumblers A. For accomplishing this result; the plate I33 is mounted for sliding movement toward and away from the glass tumblers A. The plate I33 is 'yieldably urged in a forward direction toward the glass. tumblers A by means of the springs I31, shown in Figures 6 and 8 as having the forward ends abutting the rear edge of the plate I33 and as having the rear ends engaging a fixed abutment I38 extending upwardly from the machine frame. Upon reference to Figures 5 and 6, it will be noted that the springs I 31 are assisted in moving the plate I33 toward the glass tumblers by means of a spring I39 located intermediate the ends of the plate. As shown in these figures, the rear end of the spring is secured to the plate I33 and theforward end of the spring I 39 is secured to a stud I40 which extends through an elongated opening I in the plate and is threaded into the machine frame. The springs for urging the plate I33 in a direction toward the glass tumblers counteract the springs I29 for urging the glass tumblers toward the tools and, in the present instance, the former springs are slightly stronger so that there will be no danger of the glass tumblers A moving toward the tools against the action of the springs I31 and I39. Of course, provision is made herein to prevent the stronger springs I31 and I 39 from moving the glas tumblers A against the action of the weaker springs I29 in a direction away from the tools. This is accomplished by a pair of templets I secured to the carriage 22 adjacent opposite ends of the feeler plate and engaged by rollers I68 carried by the feeler plate. The rollers are normally urged into engagement with the templets I45 by the springs I31 and I39 acting on the.

feeler plate I33. The tapered ends of the feelers extend beyond the templets into engagement with the tumblers A a distance depending upon the adjustment aforesaid of the feelers, or upon the depth of cut of the tools.

Inasmuch as the templets I45 determine the extent of movement of the feelers toward the tumblers A, it follows that the surfaces of the templets engaged by the feeler brackets must have a shape predetermined in accordance with the contour of the glass tumblers being engraved so that the relationship between the tool and feeler will change in dependence upon the contour of the tumblers to secure a uniform depth of cut.- In this connection, attention is called to Figure 11 of the drawings, wherein it will be noted that the degree of'curvature of the surface of the tumbler to be engraved changes substantially in the direction of length of the tumbler and, in cases of this character, the rear surfaces of the templets I45 are shaped in the ,manner illustrated to maintain the relationship between the feeler and tool required to secure a uniform out throughout vertical movement of the tumbler.

Referring now more in detail to Figure 11, It will be noted that in order to illustrate the manner in which the present machine maintains a uniform cut, irrespective of the. contour of the surface of the article being engraved, I have selected a glass goblet A having a'mouth portion I of reduced diameter and having a base portion I66 of less diameter. The relative diameters of the above portions of the goblet are such that a substantial curvature exists in the side walls of the goblet and, in cases of this character, it is necessary to change the position of the feeler relative to the tool in order to insure a uniform cut during the engraving operation. The necessary change in location of the feeler I30 with respect to the tool B is obtained by predeterminedly shaping the face I61 of the templet encaged by the roller I68 on the feeler plate I33.

The goblet A is shown in its lowermost position by the full lines in Figure 11 and the surface I51 on the templet I45 is such that the feeler I30 assumes the full line position thereof relative to the tool when the goblet is in its lowermost position. As the goblet A" and the templet I45 aremoved upwardly relative to the tool 3 and feeler I30 to its dotted line position illustrated in Figure 11, the goblet is swung in a direction away from the tool B by the feeler I30 the action of the springs I31 by the surface I61 of the templet until the feeler assumes the dotted line position thereof relative to the tool B. As a result, the surface of the goblet to be engraved. is adjustedrelative to the tool by the feeler so that a uniform cut is effected, irrespective of the contour of the side walls of the goblet.

In order to enhance the cutting operation, provision is made herein for supplying a stream of cooling medium, such as water, to the surface of the tumblers being engraved. For accomplishing this result, I provide a water manifold I41 extending substantially the full length of the machine and communicating at longitudinally spaced points with suitable conduits I48 having the discharge ends positioned to direct the stream of water against the tumblers adjacent the tools B. In Figure '1 of the drawings, I have shown suitable deflectors I50 on the feeler brackets I32 and these deflectors form a support for the free ends of the conduits I48. Inasmuch as the feeler brackets I32 move with the feeler plate I33, the manifold I41 is supoprted on the feeler plate by means of the clamps I52.

.Referring again to Figure of the drawings, it will be noted that the optical unit G is mounted on a plate I54 which, in turn, is supported on the machine frame for sliding movement toward and away from the drum F. The plate I54 is guided at opposite edges thereof by means of the rollers I55 and is normally urged in a direction toward the drum F by means of a relatively light spring I56 having one end secured to the upper end of the stud I40 and having the opposite end secured to the optical unit G. In this connection, it may be pointed out that the plate I54 is-slotted, as at I51, to receive the stud I40 and spring I39 associated with the feeler plate I33. The optical unit is maintained in proper spaced relationship to the design on the drum F by means of a roller I60 supported on the optical unit and frictionally engaging the drum F. It will be apparent from the foregoing that the roller I60 is maintained into frictional engagement with the surface of the drum, irrespective of any irregularities in the latter and this is highly advantageous in that it offers the possibility of maintaining the focal distance between the lenses N and pattern on the drum uniform throughout the scanning operation. As a consequence, the depth of cut of the tools B is not effected by irregularities in the surface of the drum F and extremely accurate results may be secured.

In cases where it is desired to engrave only a portion of the surface of the article, it is advantageous from the standpoint of increased production to appreciably increase the speed of rotation of the articles being engraved. For the purpose of illustration, it will be assumed that a pattern is engraved on one side only of the glass article and that the latter is rotated at a relatively slower rate of speed during the engraving operation. In general, when the optical unit is scanning the pattern on the drum F, or when the engraving tool B is cutting the surface of the article to be engraved, the three-phase motor 39 is connected to a relatively low cycle current supply in order to rotate the articles at a relatively slow speed. On the other hand, when the engraving tools B are moved away from the article or, in other words, when the pattern on the drum F has been advanced beyond the optical unit, the three-phase motor 39 is automatically connected to a relatively high cycle current suplateral movement of the follower.

ply so that the articles are revolved at a higher rate of speed.

For accomplishing the above result, I provide a templet in the form of a drum I secured to the pattern carrying drum shaft 3| for rotation therewith as a unit and having an area of the side wall thereof relieved, as at I1I. The area of the relieved portion corresponds substantially to the area of the pattern to be engraved on the articles of glassware and the surface of the templet drum having the relieved portion therein is adapted to be engaged by a follower I12. The templet drum is secured to the shaft 3I with the relieved portion so positioned with respect to the pattern on the drum F that when the latter is being scanned by the optical unit, the follower I12 is engaged with the relieved area of the templet drum I10. Upon reference to Figure 13, the follower is connected to a toggle switch I13 arranged in a control circuit I14 and adapted to be automatically opened by a spring I15 when the follower engages in the relieved area I1I of the templet drum I10. The circuit I14 includes a relay I16 which is normally maintained by the spring I11 in a position wherein a relatively low cycle circuit I18 is closed to the electric motor 39.

As a result of the foregoing, it will be noted that when the follower I12 is in the relieved area I1I of the surface of the templet drum I10, the circuit I14 is opened by the switch I13 and the coil of the relay is de-energized permitting the spring I11 to close the relatively low cycle circuit to the motor 39. This circuit remains closed until the templet drum I 10 is rotated sufficiently to raise the follower I12 out of the relieved portion HI and the switch I13 is closed by the resulting Closing of the circuit I14 by the switch I13 energizes the relay I16 to break the low cycle circuit I18 and close the high cycle circuit I19. As a result of the above, the speed of the motor 39 is increased and since the latter is operatively connected to both the articles and drums F and I10, it follows that the speed of the latter will also be increased until the follower again registers with the relieved area I1I of the surface of the drum I10. At this time, the switch I13 is again opened and the above cycle of operation is repeated.

In order to compensate for the acceleration and deceleration of the articles to be engraved, the area of the relieved surface of the drum I10 is greater than the area of the pattern on the drum F to be engraved on the articles. The construction is such that the speed of rotation of the articles to be engraved is reduced to the desired rate prior to the actual engraving operation.

It follows from the foregoing that I have provided an engraving machine rendering it possible to'engrave a plurality of articles simultaneously with the minimum attention on the part of the operator. It will also be observed that provision is made in the engraving machine for obtaining extremely accurate results, irrespective of the contour of the surface of the article to be engraved and notwithstanding any manufacturing inaccuracies that may exist in the articles or drum containing the pattern to be duplicated. It may be again pointed out that while the machine has been described in detail as adapted for engraving glass tumblers, nevertheless, it is not limited to this specific use, since the construction thereof is such as to permit the same to be readily employed for engraving many other types of articles. Also, attention is called to the fact that profile of the surface of the article to secure a while a specific amplifying circuit has been shown for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the tools are operated from the photoelectric ce.ls, nevertheless, it is to be noted that various other circuits may be. employed and, therefore, reservation is made to make such changes in the construction as may come within the purview of the accompanying claims.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surfaces of articles, means for supporting adjacent articles in spaced relation to each other, a pattern carrying the record to be duplicated on the surfaces of the articles, a revoluble drive shaft having tools adjacent the ends thereof and positioned with the tools opposite the surfaces of adjacent articles, means supporting said. shaft for movement transversely of the axis thereof toward and away from the articles, means for rotating the shaft, an optical unit for scanning the record on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the record, and means controlled by the light sensitive cell for actuating the shaft supporting means to move said shaft and tools toward and away from the articles.

2. In engraving apparatus for cutting a design in the surfaces of articles, means for supporting adjacent articles in spaced relation to each other and for rotation about substantially parallel axes, a. pattern carrying a predeterminedly-shaded de-. sign, a prime mover having a drive shaft extending transversely to the axes of rotation of adjacent articles and having tools thereon registering with the surfaces of the articles upon which the design on. thepattern is .to be reproduced, means supporting theprime mover for movement toward and away "frorn'the surfaces of adjacent articles, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cellcontrolled by the variation in shading of the design, and means controlled'bythe light sensitive cell for actuating the prime mover supporting means to move the shaft and tools toward and away from the articles.

3. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern carrying the design to be reproduced on the surface of the article, a tool supported opposite the surface of the article for movement toward and away from said surface, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, means controlled by the light sensitive cell for moving the tool toward and away from the article, and means movable independently of the tool in accordance with variations in the profile contour of the surface of the article for varying the position of the article relative to the tool to maintain substantially the same relationship between the surface of the articleand tool irrespective of any irregularities in the surface of the-article.

4. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern carrying the design to be reproduced on the surface of the article, a tool supported opposite the surface of the article for movement toward and away from said surface, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, means controlled by the light sensitive cell for moving the tool toward and away from the article, and means operable independently of the light sensitive cell for adjusting the position of the article relative to the tool in accordance with variations in the uniform depth of cut.

5. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern carrying the design to be reproduced on the surface of the article, a tool supported opposite the surface of the article, a prime mover having a rotatable drive shaft upon which the tool is mounted, means supporting the prime mover for movement toward and away from the article, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, means controlled by the light sensitive cell for moving the prime mover and tool as a unit toward and away from the work, and means movable independently of the prime mover for relatively adjusting the tool and article in accordance with variations in the profile contour of the surface of the article to secure a uniform depth of cut.

6. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surfaces of articles, means for supporting adjacent articles in spaced relation to each other and for rotation about substantially parallel axes, a pattern carrying a design to be duplicated on the surfaces of the articles, a revoluble drive shaft extending transversely to the axes of rotation of the articles and having tools thereon registering with the surfaces of the articles, means supporting said shaft for movement transversely of its axisin directions toward and away from the articles, means for rotating said shaft, an opticalv unitfor scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by said design, means controlled by the light sensitive cell for actuating the shaft supporting means to move said shaft and tools toward and away from the articles, and means for relatively moving the shaft and articles in accordance with the wear of the tools and in accordance with any variations in the surfaces of the articles to'maintain a uniform depth of cut.

7. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surfaces of a plurality of articles, means for supporting the articles in spaced relation to each other, a pattern carrying the design to be duplicated on the surfaces of the articles, a tool supported opposite each article for movement toward and away from the surface of each article, a member supported for movement toward and way from the articles and forming a common support for the tools, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, and means controlled by the light sensitive cell for actuating said member to move the tools into and out of engagement with the surfaces of the articles upon which the design is to be reproduced.

8. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surfaces of a plurality of articles, means for supporting the articles in spaced relation to each other, a pattern carrying the design to be duplicated on the surfaces of the articles, a tool supported opposite each article for movement toward and away from the surface of each article, a beam fulcrumed adjacent opposite edges thereof for oscillation toward and away from the articles,'means supporting each of the tools on said beam, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, and means controlled by the light sensitive cell for oscillating the beam to move the tools into and out of engagement with the surfaces of the articles upon which the design is to be duplicated.

9. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern carrying the design to be duplicated on the surface of the article, a tool positioned opposite the surface of the article upon which the design is to be reproduced, a beam fulcrumed for oscillation toward and away from the articles, means supporting the tool on said beam, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, and means controlled by the light sensitive cell for oscillating the beam to move the tool into and out of engagement with the article.

10. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern carrying the design to be duplicated on the surface of the article, a tool positioned opposite the surface of the article upon which the design is to be reproduced, a beam fulcrumed for oscillation toward and away from the articles, means supporting the tool on said beam, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, means controlled by the light sensitive cell for oscillating the beam to move the tool into and out of engagement with the article, and means stabilizing the action of the beam without increasing the inertia of the latter.

11. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern for carrying the design to be duplicated on the surface of the article, a revoluble tool, a rotatable support for the article mounted for swinging movement in a direction toward and away from the tool, yieldable means normally urging the support in a. direction to engage the article with the tool, means limiting the extent of swinging movement of the article toward the tool and providing for securing apredetermined depth of cut, a support for the tool movable toward and away from said article, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, and means controlled by the light sensitive cell for moving the tool support toward and away from the article.

12. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern for carrying the design to be duplicated on the surface of the article, a revoluble support for the article mounted for swinging movement in opposite directions, yieldable means normally urging said support in one direction, a spring pressed member engageable with the article and opposing the action of the yieldable means aforesaid to limit swinging movement of the article in the above mentioned direction, a tool movable into and out of engagement with the surface of the article adjacent the point of engagement of the member aforesaid with the article, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, and means controlled by the light sensitive cell for moving the tool relative to the member into and out of engagement with the article.

13. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern for carrying the design to be duplicated on the surface of the article, a revoluble support for the article mounted for swinging movement in opposite directions, yieldable means for swinging the support in one direction, a member engageable with the article to limit the extent of swinging movement of the article in the last named direction by the yieldable means, a revoluble tool supported opposite the article adjacent the'point of engagement of 14. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern for carrying the design to be duplicated on the surface of the article, a revoluble support for the article mounted for swinging movement in opposite directions, means for feeding the support in one direction, yieldable means normally tending to swing the support in one direction, a spring pressed member engageable with the article and opposing the yieldable means to limit swinging movement of the support in the last named direction, a revoluble tool supported adjacent said member for movement into and out of engagement with the article, means effective upon feeding the support in the direction aforesaid relative to the tool and member to guide the latter in accordance with the profile contour of the article to maintain a uniform depth of cut, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, and means controlled by the light sensitive cell for moving the ,tool into and out of engagement with the article.

15. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern carrying a predeterminedlyshaded design to be duplicated in the surface of said article, a revoluble support for the article mounted for swinging movement in opposite directions, yieldable means normally urging the support in one direction, a tool positioned for engagement with the article upon swinging movement of the article under the influence of said yieldable means, means opposing the action of the yieldable means to limit the extent of swinging movement of the article by the support in a direction'toward the tool to provide for obtaining a predetermined depth of cut, means supporting the tool for movement toward and away from the article, and means responsive to variations in shading of the design on the pattern for moving the tool support toward and away from the article.

16. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern carrying a predeterminedly shaded design to be duplicated in the surface of the article, a revoluble support mounted for swinging movement in opposite directions, yieldable means normally urging the support in one direction, a tool positioned for engagement with the article upon movement of the support in the aforesaid direction by the yieldable means, means opposing the action of the yieldable means and effective to limit the swinging movement of the support in a direction toward the tool to provide for securing a predetermined depth of cut, a support for the tool movable in directions toward and away from the article, light sensitive means responsive to variations in shading of the design on the pattern for actuating the tool support, and means for swinging the support for the article in a direction away from said tool against the action of the yieldable means.

17. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern carrying the design to be duplicated on the surface of the aramaoss the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, a revoluble support for the pattern, a support for the optical unit, yieldable means normally urging the optical unit support in a direction toward the pattern, and means carried by the optical unit and engageable with the pattern to maintain a predetermined relationship between the optical unit and surface of the pattern irrespective of irregularities in the latter surface.

18. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a revoluble pattern carrying a predeterminedly shaded design to be duplicated on the surface of the article, a revoluble support for the pattern, a second revoluble support for the article, means mounting the article support for swinging movement in opposite directions, yieldable means normally urging the article support in one direction, a tool positioned for engagement with the article upon swinging movement of the article support under the influence of the yieldable means, a member carrying the tool movable toward and away from the article, an optical unit having means engageable with the surface of the pattern and comprising a light sensitive cell controlled by the variations in shading of the design on the pattern, and means controlled by the light sensitive cell for actuating the tool carrying member. I

19. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a revoluble drive shaft, a shaft extending transversely to the axis of the drive shaft and operatively connected thereto for rotation thereby, a support for the article secured to the second shaft for rotation therewith as a unit, a bracket member supporting the second shaft and pivotally connected to the drive shaft for swinging movement about the axis of the latter, a tool supported substantially in the plane of swinging movement of the second shaft and movable toward and away from the article, yieldable means normally swinging the second shaft about the axis of the driveshaft in a direction toward the tool, means limiting the extentof swinging movement of the article toward the tool and effective to secure a predetermined depth of cut, and means for moving the tool toward and away from the article.

20. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a revoluble drive shaft, a

second shaft extending transversely of the drive shaft and operatively connected to the latter for rotation thereby, a support for the article secured to the second shaft, a bracket member supporting-the second shaft and having a portion pivotally mounted on the drive shaft for swinging movement about the axis of the latter, yieldable means normally urging the second shaft in one direction about the axis of the drive shaft, a spring pressed member engageahle with the article to limit the extent of swinging movement of the second shaft by the yieldable means, a tool positioned adjacent the spring pressed member and engageable with the surface of the article, means supporting the tool for movement toward and away from the article, means for actuating the tool supporting means, and means for adjusting the spring pressed member to vary the depth of cut of the tool.

21. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surfaces of articles, a revoluble drive shaft, a plurality of shafts extending transversely of the drive shaft in spaced relation to each other lon gitudinally of the latter shaft and operatively connected to said drive shaft for rotation thereby, a support for an article secured to each of the second shafts for rotation as a unit therewith, a bracket member supporting each of the second shafts and having a portion mounted upon the drive shaft for swinging movement about the axis of the latter, a tool supported opposite each article in substantially the plane of swinging movement of the article, yieldable means for independently urging each of the second shafts about the axis of the drive shaft in a direction toward the tool, means opposingthe action of the yieldable means and operable to independently position each article relative to the associated tool, means for supporting the tool for movement toward and away from the article; and means for actuating the tool support.

22. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern carrying a predeterminedly shaded design to be duplicated on the surface of the article, a tool positioned opposite the article and movable into and out of engagement therewith, an optical unit positioned opposite the pattern for scanning the design on the latter and including a light sensitive cell controlled by the shading of the design, means controlled by the light sensitive cell for moving the tool into and out of engagement with the article, a carriage forming a support for both the article and pattern, means for feeding the carriage in one direction at a predetermined rate, Jneans operating in timed relation to movement of the carriage in the last named direction to discontinue the operation of the feeding means, means permitting movement of the carriage in the opposite direction, and means operating in timed relation to return movement of the carriage in the last named direction to render the feeding means operative.

23. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a reciprocating carriage, a revoluble pattern mounted on the carriage and havinga predeterminedly shaded design to be reproduced on the surface of the article, a revoluble supp rt for the article mounted on the carriage, a tool mounted for movement toward and away from the article, means mounting the article support on the carriage for swinging movement toward and away from the tool, means normally urging the article in a direction toward the tool, means limiting the extent of swinging movement of the article toward the tool and effective to provide a predetermined depth of cut, and means for moving the tool toward and away from the article including an optical unit for scanning the pattern and having a photo-electric cell controlled by the variations in shading of the design on the pattern.

24. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surfaces of a plurality of articles, a reciprocable carriage, a revoluble drive shaft mounted on the carriage, a plurality of shafts extending transversely to the drive shaft and spaced from each other longitudinally of the drive shaft, means operatively connecting the second shafts to the drive shaft for rotation by the latter, a support for an article secured to each of the second shafts for rotation therewith, a bracket member supporting each of the second shafts and having a portion pivotally mounted on the drive shaft for swinging movement about the axis of the latter, a tool movable into and out of engagement with each article and supported substantially in the plane of swinging movement of the article, means associated with each bracket member for independently swinging the brackets in a direction toward the tools, and means for simultaneously swinging the bracket members about the axis of the drive shaft against the action of the yieldable means.

25. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surfaces of a plurality of articles, a drive shaft, a plurality of shafts extending transversely to the drive shaft in spaced relation to each other longitudinally of the drive shaft and operatively connected to the latter for rotation thereby, an article support secured to each of the second shafts for rotation therewith as a unit, an additional shaft extending transversely to the drive shaft and connected to the latter for rotation thereby, a pattern secured to the additional shaft and having a predeterminedly shaded design to be duplicated on the surfaces of the articles, a bracket member supporting each of the article carrying shafts and having a portion mounted on the drive shaft for swinging movement about the axis of the latter, a tool supported opposite each article in substantially the plane of swinging movement of the articles, an optical unit supported for sliding movement toward and away from the pattern for scanning the design and having a light sensitive cell controlled by the variations in shading of the design, means controlled by the light sensitive cell for simultaneously moving the tools into and out of engagement with the articles, yieldable means urging each of the article carrying brackets in a direction toward the tools, additional means for urging the optical unit in a direction toward the pattern, and means opposing the action of the aforesaid yieldable means to maintain the articles in predetermined relationship to the tools.

26. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern carrying the design to be duplicated on the surface of the article, a revoluble tool, a rotatable support for the article mounted for movement toward and away from the tool, traversing means for moving the article support relative tothe tool in a direction transverse to the direction of movement aforesaid, yieldable means normally urging the support in a direction to engage the article with the tool, means counteracting the yieldable means and operable to predeterminedly position the article relative to the tool during movement of the article by the traversing means, a support for the tool movable toward and away from the article, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, and means controlled by the light sensitive cell for moving the tool support toward and away from the article.

27. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern carrying the design to be duplicated on the surface of the article, a revoluble tool, a rotatable support for the article mounted for movement toward and away from the tool, traversing means for moving the article support relative to the tool in a direction transverse to the direction of movement aforesaid, yieldable means normally urging the support in a direction to engage the article with the tool, a feeler engageable with the article at a point adjacent the tool and supported for move- .ment toward and away from the article, yieldable means urging said feeler into engagement with the article with a force greater than the yieldable means acting on said article support whereby the feeler positions the article relative to the tool, means movable with the article support by the traversing means to limit movement of the feeler toward the article and operable to change the position of the feeler relative to the tool in accordance with the contour of the surface of the article to maintain a uniform depth of cut of the tool throughout the traversing movement of the article irrespective of the profile contour of the surface of the article being engraved, a support for the tool movable relative to the feeler toward and away from the article, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, and means controlled by the light sensitive cell for moving the tool support toward and away from the article.

28. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern carrying the design to be duplicated on the surface of the article, means rotatably supporting the article, a variable speed motor for rotating the support at differential speeds, a tool movable toward and away from the article, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, means operable in timed relation to scanning of the design by the optical unit for changing the speed of said motor, and means controlled by the light sensitive cell for moving the tool toward and away from the article.

29. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a pattern carrying the design to be duplicated on the surface of the article, a tool movable toward and away from the article, means for rotatably supporting the article, means effective upon engagement of the tool with the article to rotate the article support at a relatively slow rate of speed and upon withdrawal of the tool from the article to increase the speed of rotation of the article support, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, and means controlled by the light sensitive cell for moving the tool toward and away from the article.

30. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surface of an article, a-pattern carrying the design to be duplicated on the surface of the article, means for rotatably supporting the article, a tool movable toward and away from the article, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell for moving the tool toward and away from the article, and means operable during the intervals the design is being scanned by the optical unit to rotate the article support at a relatively slow rate of speed and operable during the intervals the plane surface of the pattern is being scanned to increase the speed of rotation of the article.

'31. In apparatus for cutting a design in the surfaces of articles, means for supporting adjacent articles in spaced relation to each other, a pattern carrying the record to be duplicated on the surfaces of the articles, a revoluble shaft extending along one side of the articles, a tool positioned opposite each article and mounted on the shaft for actuation by the latter, means supporting the shaft for movement transversely of the axis thereof toward and away from the articles to effect movement of the tools into and out of engagement with the surfaces of the articles upon which the design on the pattern is to be duplicated, an optical unit for scanning the design on the pattern including a light sensitive cell controlled by the design, and means controlled by the light sensitive cell for actuating the shaft 

